Summer Vacation ~ Day 36

Day 36 ~ Thursday, June 29th

Everyone slept in this morning.  BK went to the farm.  LM and I went to her swim lessons, and then saw Grandpa & Grandma and went through the bank drive-through to purchase discounted advance tickets for the carnival in their town next week. 

Just as Jim and BK drove in the garage, we had a powerful blast of wind and the start of a thunderstorm, which was upgraded to a derecho.  We are soooooo very thankful for rain AND that we were spared some of the devastating damage! 

I forget what we did in the afternoon, but shortly after 4 we headed out to BK's second swim meet, a dual.  He competed in the 25 free, 50 free, 25 back, 200 medley relay and 100 free relay.  Both relay teams earned ribbons - a 1st and a 3rd! 

Everyone was ready for bed by the time we pulled into the garage!

Summer Vacation ~ Day 35

Day 35 ~ Wednesday, June 28th

At 8.15, our FB Marketplace buyer was here from an hour away with cash in hand and her pickup truck to purchase our three tables.  She was thrilled because she had been looking for a long time for this exact (now discontinued) set that matches her entertainment center.  Wow!  

BK went to work on the farm. LM's swim lessons were canceled due to 250-260 Air Quality Index. 

After BK's shower and grabbing a lunch-on-the-go, we headed to an appointment 30 minutes east of us.  While he was there, LM & I decided against going to a park (because of the air quality), but went to the Chick-fil-A play place. Then we ran an errand, picked him up, and drove straight to his baseball tournament 20 minutes west of us, where he changed into his uniform in the bathroom there.  

His team lost, but did their best.  We were home after 7 PM!

Summer Vacation ~ Day 34

Day 34 ~ Tuesday, June 27th

Unsurprisingly LM was awake at 5.30 AM (& so was I!). After an hour had passed & we had eaten breakfast, I let her have screen time while I dozed on the couch.  Sometimes that's how we roll. 

BK went to the farm while I took LM to her swim lessons.  We were home just long enough to grab a quick lunch & for BK to take a shower & change, before we headed to LM's speech therapy at the university clinic.  

I cancelled a second appointment today, and swim practice tonight was cancelled, so we had a "relaxing" afternoon/evening. 

Due to the Canadian wildfires, our air quality index got up to 220. Visibility was about a mile.  But the children still played outside.  

The BIG win of the day was when we went to ALDI, and the children successfully took a cart & half the list, while I took a second cart & the other half of the list.  I texted Jim, and his reply was, "Hallelujah!"   

After supper LM & I picked up the VERY neglected basement, and BK helped Jim move the very heavy coffee table upstairs.  Lord willing, a lady is coming tomorrow to buy the coffee table, sofa table, and end table set.  [We haven't used the coffee table since BK started toddling around, and the sofa table was our TV table until Jim built one that better suits our purposes.]

Late June at the beach

I would like to bottle up the 4:30 PM breeze by the lake, the children playing happily in the water with newfound friends, the sound of the water lapping the shore, and the pleasure of sitting in a chair in the shade reading whatever Mitford book was in my beach bag.

It doesn’t hurt that supper is provided by the hotdog stand, so there’s no food to prepare and no mess to clean up!

Summer Vacation ~ Day 33

Day 33 ~ Monday, June 26th

As always I enjoyed Jim’s gift of my morning alone (6:30-8:30 AM) today. It was drizzling so I sat in the van looking out over the lake. 

We had a leisurely morning at home in Wisconsin. Play doh, modeling clay, alphabet bingo, some outdoor play, and a little more painting for Jim. 

By 12:15, we were heading home with full hearts.  After a number of stops, we were home by 4.15, and stayed home just long enough for BK to change into his baseball uniform. Off to the first game of the 10U tournament of seven rural towns.  His team didn't win, but they're such a supportive team with encouraging coaches. 

LM was asleep by 7.30 probably.  It's been an exhausting summer! 

5 Psalms & 1 Proverb

I picked this up at a thrift store for probably $.50, thinking it would be something nice to keep in the car for when I’m waiting.

 

I opened it up one day to find a certain psalm, and realized as I flipped through, that it’s arranged from Day 1 to 31. 

Each day has five Psalms and one Proverb. 

Even better! (I don’t have to do mental math if I want to find out which five psalms I should read today if I’m doing this plan.)

At different times in my life I have read five psalms and a proverb every day. Have you ever done that?

Summer Vacation ~ Day 32

Day 32 ~ Sunday, June 25th

Another morning in Wisconsin, another cup of my favorite tea, and a few hours alone.

It was cooler and breezier today. We love our church in Wisconsin and it had been a long while. (I'm not even sure we were here on a Sunday last summer.). It is such a vibrant church and the Spirit always meets us there in the music and in the preaching of God's word.

After lunch, LM played at the red park while BK hit baseballs with Jim at the adjoining baseball field. Then we had a few hours of rest time / quiet play time. As Jim said, some houses are just more conducive to napping. And this one definitely is! (At least for the adults!)

After pizza supper, we walked a level section of the shore path just before dusk. Perfect lighting!!

10 pm bedtime for the children. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Summer Vacation ~ Day 31

Day 31 ~ Saturday, June 24th

Woke up in Wisconsin, and I was at the coffee shop shortly after it opened at seven. Took my large cup of my favorite tea in the world and my cup of oatmeal bake with blueberries and yogurt in it and sat on a bench by the lake where I enjoyed some time alone.

And was encouraged by Psalm 108:1. "My heart is confident in you, oh God, no wonder I can sing your praises."

The morning was spent mostly in the backyard with all sorts of toys… while Jim worked on finishing painting the house.

I also started reading The Biggest Story to LM for the first time.

After lunch we went to the beach! And stayed until 7 PM! Then Jim went back to house painting, LM did sidewalk chalk, and I tossed a ball to BK.

The children were asleep by 10.

Summer Vacation ~ Day 30

Day 30 ~ Friday June 23rd

At 6:30 LM and I left for her 8 AM appointment 70 miles away. The Mary Poppins soundtrack helped her with the early morning. :)

After I packed for our long weekend in Wisconsin, LM and I left at 1 PM to pick BK up from camp. I think he had a fabulous week!

Shortly after 6 PM all four of us left for Wisconsin. Daily thankful for our van!

1000 Gifts, Vol. 7, #84

831. Summer

832. Blue skies & warmth

833. Swim lessons & swim team

834. Baseball

835. Berries

836. So many outdoor toys for backyard play

837. Trips to Wisconsin

838. the beach at the lake

839. Refreshment from God's Word

840. His provision of babysitters, play dates, parks, prayer warriors, and encouragers

Sent from my iPhone

Summer Vacation ~ Day 29

Day 29 ~ Thursday, June 22nd 

Today was the last day of the first session of LM's swim lessons. Her class jumped off the diving board into 12 feet water (a lifeguard was in the pool right near where they jumped in) and then swam (first two times freestyle & second time backstroke) to the ladder at the side.  I was impressed!  The instructors taught a LOT (& well) in eight 30 minute lessons.  Moving on to Level 3 next week & the next, Lord willing!

We got back to our town in time to pick up our mail, return some library books in the drop box, pick up some lunch for me from Casey's (chips & Reese's today - it's been a great summer of nutrition!), and drop her off at a friend's house. 

I headed 30 minutes further east for a 3-hour appointment at the university testing center.  Parent interview in advance of some testing coming up.  I was impressed by the professor & her summary & her plan.  

Back to pick up LM, move laundry through, make a nutritious supper, etc.  Supper: chicken patties, hash browns, broccoli, and fruit salad.  Quite a bit better than chips & chocolate!!

Books, playtime, & bedtime for LM.  By then, I could barely get into bed myself...

Summer Vacation ~ Day 28

Day 28 ~ Wednesday, June 21st

I didn't sleep well (I never do when Jim is gone overnight).  But LM slept until 9.30 - !!

Her class got to go in the deep end during swim lessons this morning, so that was super exciting!  I'm very impressed with the instructors at the pool where we're going. 

Seeing as how we have "nothing but time," we browsed the thrift store after dropping off a small bag of donations, stopped by Casey's for a treat of coffee for me (to get through the day) & ended up getting "lunch" there - chips and scotcharoos (!).  

We went straight to the library program.  We "just so happened" to sit at the table where my friend's children were sitting with the 20-something girl I presumed (correctly) was their nanny.  She was a gift from God directly to me today ... encouraging me as she testified to the goodness of God in her own adoption story, in her special needs sibling's story, in her mother's advocating for decades for her sibling, etc.!  And she even told me of a nearby Christian school that is planning to start a Life Skills class (special ed)! How amazing!

Home for an hour to tidy for the housecleaner.  And then we left at 2.15 for LM's appointment in the city 25 miles NW of us. 

After our appointment, we had "nothing but time." It was too late to go to a farm / petting zoo, or the zoo, or the children's museum, so we opted for Chick-fil-A play place.  Then spent 30 minutes in a thrift store I had only driven past. Then we went to a wonderful playground, where LM made friends and played happily for over an hour.  

A quick stop by the grandparents', a bath, and then bed!  

I was happy to see Jim walk in just before 11 PM!  

Summer Vacation ~ Day 27

Day 27 ~ Tuesday, June 20th

I accidentally turned my alarm on Monday night, so I was up before 6.30.  :-/ 

Swim lessons, the bank, McD's drive-thru, speech therapy, dropping off LM at the farm, & going to my dentist appointment kept us going from 10 AM - 4.45 PM. Whew! 

I spent most of the 30 minute swim lessons & the 60 minute speech therapy on the phone, continuing to track down resources that might be helpful.  The supervising professor at speech therapy and I talked about three speech & language patterns I have noticed.  They will work on them.  We are so fortunate that LM can go to the university speech clinic!

I shared with our dentist some of the daily struggles we face, and she said she was exhausted just listening to me.  She understood why having two fillings was like a trip to the spa for me.  :)

I learned about a new book series that looks interesting ... The Brady Street Boys.  

The last hour before bedtime was spent at the park, where thankfully we ran into some friends to play with. :) 

Summer Vacation ~ Day 26

Day 26 ~ Monday, June 19th

Even though I was exhausted, just before climbing into bed Sunday night, I replaced the pretty valances in our bedroom with black-out panels, and it paid off. I slept until after 7 AM!  LM slept til 8.30. 

We had a leisurely morning before leaving for swim lessons, moving laundry through the washing machine & dryer, and dishes through the dishwasher.

After swim lessons in a town 20 minutes away, we drove 10 more minutes to see Grandma at the thrift store where she volunteers. Of course we came home with a few treasures, and I stopped for a gluten-free scone at a shop in that town. 

We enjoyed having Jim home for lunch (especially since he worked late and we didn't see him again until Tuesday), and I took the opportunity to lie down for awhile in our room, which feels like a cave even at midday, thanks to the black-out panels. 

It was a quiet afternoon at home ... more laundry, lots of kitchen play, plus we made real cupcakes together, screentime (in the master bath while I rested on our bed), outside play, and a yummy supper of chicken patties, marinated veggies, and peach cups. 

Another full day, and another late night, as we move toward summer solstice. 

Summer Vacation ~ Day 25

Day 25 ~ June 18th

Waking up was hard for all of us! I felt jet-lagged.  But I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go to the house of the Lord. 

Week three of LM sitting in "big church" during the service was a success! Thank you, Lord! 

Lunch with extended family (15 of us) at the favorite pizza restaurant.  Then one of our nieces took 27 photos trying to get one for us to submit for the church directory.  It was comical. :)

Home just long enough for Jim to open his Father's Day cards & gift (a baseball glove!) and finish last-minute packing before Jim took BK to camp! 

I looked at the dirty dishes & dirty laundry, and said, "No. Today is a day of rest." 

Amazon did not take a day of rest, but brought a new book that I'm excited to read to BK, "Out of the Shadow World." It's not my favorite genre, but the blurb says the author "masterfully weaves a tale of suffering and joy. Children will be captivated. Readers develop empathy and a theology of suffering that equips them to both face difficult circumstances and love others who are experiencing hardship." Have you read it? 

LM and I went to the park for awhile, and then I was ready for bed hours before she was.  I am introverted out from the weekend, and I think it will take me a week to recover from the energy I used being with people.  Four events (shower, reunion, church, Father's Day lunch) plus prep plus packing BK for & sending him off to camp.  My healthy max is two.  And, this week won't be that restful, because with BK at camp, I am LM's primary conversationalist.  And if you've ever conversed with her, you'll know it's exhausting in so many ways which I won't get into here.  

Jim took her for a walk around the block at dusk, and by 9.30 she was asleep. 

Camp

Did you grow up going to summer camp?  Camp was such a huge part of my life!  BK had a wonderful week at camp last year!

::repost from 2020::

Little Guy and I are speed-reading through Ron Roy's A-Z Mysteries.  We have read through N, and reached the end of the e-books available for download from our library.  (A nearby library for which we have a reciprocal card is opening up for curbside service soon, and I have reserved O-Z!) In the meantime we are reading some of the super mysteries (those and the calendar mysteries and the capital mysteries are available to download as e-books from our libary). 

The book "Detective Camp" introduced LG to summer camp - the campground, schedule, orientation, chores, teams, activities, campfire, fun, cabins, bunkbeds, counselors, etc.  As I read page after page of life at summer camp, so many memories came flooding back!

Summer Bible camp, of course, where I spent weeks and months of my growing up years. Nature class, archery, snack shop, cabin cleanup competition, the songs around the tables in the dining room, songs at vespers, nightly Bible quiz, the rolls (aaah!), campfire, ETC!!  And then memories of being on junior staff ... sweeping floors, mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms & bath houses, trying to beat our record for washing dishes. Oh, the FUN!!!

But also:

• Sunday school camp in Japan - I only attended one summer at a seaside town. My main memory is of S'mores on the beach made with saltine crackers, and a comment that it must be so nostalgic for me as an American to get to have S'mores (a bit salty for my taste...).

• my cousins' church camp in Japan - I only attended once for a 2-3 day camp.  Ironically enough, I think it was the same year as the above camp, and at both I was "camp nurse." Thankfully no nursing was needed. Whew!

• my uncle's camp in Georgia - I worked there one summer in college, mostly as kitchen staff (baking bread for 100 diners daily), and one week as a counselor during teen week.  I remember the HOT summer, eating lunch with the kitchen staff (after everyone else) out on the porch, Saturday morning granola bar and banana breakfast on the campfire deck, and how well I slept. :)

• Horn Creek - I counseled there one week one summer in college. It was my first introduction to Colorado and to the Rockies. 

• presbytery family camp in Japan - great memories of attending several summers (once at "mushroom" hotel, once at a hotel near some famous iris gardens, once at the seminary, once closer to Mt. Fuji).  As with all the camps in Japan, this was only 2-3 days.

• InterVarsity chapter camp - I think I only went two years. The setting was my favorite North Carolina mountains with cool mornings and mist hanging below the trees.  Chapter prayer meeting, hands-on Bible study, and mingling with students from other colleges were all great, but singing praises with 100s of college students was powerful.  

I can't wait til LG can begin making his own memories of summer camp!

What memories do you have of camp? 

Summer Vacation ~ Day 24

Day 24 ~ June 17th

Jim & the children left at 7.10 for a huge swim meet (BK's first) 45 minutes away. I hopped in the shower and got ready.  My sisters-in-law started arriving at 8, and our house was transformed into a well-appointed bridal shower venue by 10.30.  

We served a simple brunch of egg casseroles, fruit salad, and cinnamon rolls from Sam's, along with tea, coffee, and water.  14 was the perfect number of guests so that everyone could sit either at the kitchen table or dining room table.  

We played three fun games, I led a devotional from Colossians 3, and then the couple opened gifts.  

By the time everyone left, Jim and the children were almost home with photos, videos, and stories (& a sun burn) from the swim meet.  We don't know yet if BK won any ribbons, but it was a great first experience, and he is on such a supportive team.  I explained that he might lose or he might win, but he would leave knowing that on June 17, 2023 he swam these 6 events in x minutes y seconds. And next time he can try to shave some time off of his best time.

I made brownies and packed BK for camp (80% of the list). 

At 4.45 we left for family reunion ... fried chicken in a park pavilion, traditional guessing games with prizes, a 90th birthday cake, updates from all family members, "Great is Thy Faithfulness," lots of conversations, and lots of play by the littler set.  Leaving at 9.10, BK exclaimed, "The best night of the year!"

Another late night ... and dependent on the Lord's mercies which will be new tomorrow morning!

Summer Vacation ~ Day 23

Day 23  ~ Friday, June 16th

My body woke up at 4.15.  I listened to a 40-minute Abide sleep meditation on Apple podcasts and then laid in bed awhile doing foot exercises.  

At 7 I called the pediatrician's office & secured an 8.25 AM appointment.  We left at 7.50 and pulled back into the garage at 11.50.  In addition to the peds office, we got a treat of Chick-fil-A breakfast, picked up two Father's Day gifts (Daddy & Grandpa), some hanging baskets, cinnamon rolls for the bridal shower brunch, etc. 

The afternoon flew by (as I did a home edit removing all the extras from the main floor), and included both time with the neighborhood posse - 10 children on bikes & scooters, and also 20 minutes at the park just before dusk.

It was a late night for Jim and me, as we finished up the last few tasks and I made my side dish for Saturday evening's family reunion.

Summer Vacation ~ Day 22

Day 22 ~ Thursday, June 15th

Before my nurse arrived at 8, I boiled a batch of eggs, made my smoothie, had breakfast, picked up the house, and pre-medicated. 

It was a crazy morning, as I was hooked up to an IV in the family room, when the children woke up.  Thankfully Jim was here to make sure all the morning things got done (e.g., getting dressed).  He took BK to VBS and then LM to swim lessons.  Summer vacation is requiring a lot more teamwork!  

As soon as my nurse left, I put BK's favorite chicken thighs in the air fryer for lunch.  And then after lunch he went to the farm for 3 hours, while LM played school on the living room floor, and I continued tidying in prep for the shower.  She accompanied me to the post office, library, and Dollar General.  At the library, she turned in her second (of three possible) 30-book reading logs. 

[It is possible to read more, but prizes stop after three, except for a sometimes unadvertised big prize for the person who reads the most.]

At DG, we found matching baskets & bins to replace the hodge-podge of baskets holding DVDs in the new TV stand which Jim built ("someday" projects becoming "now").

While the children & I were at BK's 6 PM baseball game 20 minutes away, Jim cleaned the spiderwebs, etc. off the front of the house (especially the porch) and rebuilt the backyard playset which had blown down in a big wind storm.  Impressive!!

Our team didn't win, but they played well and keep improving.  BK has perfected his sliding technique, and it saved him twice last night. He also stole several bases and made a few hits. LM and several other younger siblings played in [read: rolled in] the sand (on the nearby sand volleyball court). Definitely a bath night! :) 

Summer Vacation ~ Day 21

Wednesday, June 14th

My body woke up at 3.47 AM.  Not what I really wanted...

This summer I am depending on Amazon 2-day shipping. Swim meet coming up? Let me order the jammers in the specified color.  Birthday party invitation? Let's find a gift for your friend.  Hosting a bridal shower & ask the bride if she would like us to have thank you cards for guests to self-address?  Amazon to the rescue!  Realize that two of our three plastic meal prep containers are missing? Order a pack of four for those meals on the go.  

Another morning of VBS & swim lessons. 

Afternoon appointment got cancelled last minute, but I used that time to run errands.  BK played with friends and LM tried out a new babysitter who lives on a farm! 

We squeezed in 30 minutes at the park (scooter, bicycle, playground, and flying discs) before BK & I went to work my 2.25 hour concession stand shift at the ball fields.  

Another late night.

Summer Vacation ~ Day 20

Day 20 ~ Tuesday, June 13th 

Before leaving at 8.45, I gave myself my weekly injection.  No comment as to the state of our medical system and how much insurance pays for it.  

Dropped BK off at VBS at 8.55, drove 20 minutes further west with LM to buy replacement globes for the TV room ceiling light.  One was broken, but we had to buy four new ones so they would match.  I rarely go in a store, so we walked around, and found ant spray and a whole bunch of other things (necessary or unnecessary yet to be determined). ["Someday" list became "now."]

Backtracked 10 minutes to LM's swimming lessons, and afterward picked BK up from VBS (& enjoyed 15 minutes on the playground).

Home for 10 minutes. 

Drove 30 minutes east & dropped BK off for a play date/ mission of mercy by the mom.  Took LM to speech therapy. That was my hour break for the week ... sitting in a chair in a hallway at the university, because the waiting room is undergoing construction this summer. 

Back to my friend's home, where we visited for about 45 minutes, before I left with BK for an appointment. Then back to my friend's home to pick up LM. McD's drive-through (which is actually better food than I've had the past 24 hours on the go). Wal-mart pickup. Home by 6.15 PM. 

Jim spent the day working on more of the "someday" projects that have moved to "now" - landscaping, new toilet, and other things I'm not even aware of, before taking BK to swim practice from 7.45-8.30 PM. 

Summer Vacation ~ Day 19

Monday, June 12th

I dumped a bag of frozen chicken thighs in the crockpot & poured over some BBQ sauce.  

This week is VBS at a church near the farm where Jim grew up. He attended VBS there.  And this year 45+ kiddos from the two nearby farm towns are attending VBS there.  We dropped BK off at VBS at 8.55 and came back home to do a few chores.  

LM had her first swim lesson of the year from 10.30-11.  She did GREAT!!  The last two summers she did one-on-one in someone's backyard, but only 3-5 lessons each summer.  On day #1 two years ago, she learned how to put her head under.  She's a little fishie with no fear, so lessons are essential.  

We picked BK up at 11.30 and spent 15 minutes playing on the church's playground.

The afternoon is a blur.  All the neighbor kids played well together outside for a long while.  And the children and I made the rounds of the post office, library, and recycling spot (more cardboard). Three of BK's friends were going to be at the ball fields for siblings' games, so made a plan to meet up at 6 PM and just play ball together.  LM was thrilled to have time on the playground with new friends.  BK was thrilled to play ball with his friends for a couple hours. And I visited and also had some time to just sit. 

Bedtimes have been rough.  Both children have been taking 1.5-2 hours to fall asleep after getting in bed. 

And then it seems like morning comes earlier!

Remembering emerging in 2020

This is such a great memory!  After more than two months at home, we drove north!  And we did a pre-pandemic routine!  (And we returned almost every other weekend through that summer. It's not as if we had anything else on our schedule.)

::repost from May 26, 2020:: 

1000 Gifts, Vol. 6, #16

The Out-of-Town Edition,

aka The Caged Birds Set Free Edition,

aka Thank the Grandparents for Keeping this House Over the Years Edition

aka Taste of Normalcy Edition

151.  bubbles & tossing a ball on the deck

152.  running in the backyard

153.  inventing a new game (Soap Attack!) in the bathtub

154.  enjoying the bag of carpool toys spread out on the living room floor

155.  beach - Enough said! :)

156.  hiking on the shorepath

157.  simple meals around the table

158.  fun at the table - read alouds, making slime, and coloring during our homemade Sunday School lesson

159.  golf for Jim

160.  mornings alone for me with my favorite tea & oatmeal bake ~ just not *in* my favorite coffee shop

Summer Vacation ~ Day 18

Day 18 ~ Sunday, June 11th

Our pastor preached with conviction from I Corinthians 15.1-11. 

We ate a rare Sunday lunch at home ... meat, potatoes, and vegetables hit the spot!

It was not a true Sabbath as I ran the dishwasher twice.  Sigh!

I was craving something sweet, so made a gluten-free copycat Nothing Bundt Cake.  Thankful for sour cream in the fridge, pudding mix & a GF cake mix in the pantry, and a Nordicware mini Bundt pan (6 cup I think) in my cupboard from a thrift store.  [If you're using an Aldi GF cake mix, you need to halve the recipe.] (Some time I want to try making bundlets in the Nordicware classic Bundlette pan in my cupboard from another thrift store or garage sale.)

Jim worked on assembling a TV stand which FedEx delivered this week (see previous post about hosting a bridal shower and our "someday" list becoming a "now" list). ;) 

Mid-afternoon Jim had to take down the Gideon tent & display at a nearby town's festival, and stopped on his way home to visit his dad.  

I spent some time with Vine's Expository Dictionary as I finished up my devotional for the upcoming shower.  

Lots of imaginary play, baths, and stories before bed.  The high was in the 60s so not a lot of outdoor play.

I finished reading, "Sioux Center Sudan," the biography of a missionary nurse. Now to read the biography of her co-worker, "A Leopard Tamed."  The co-worker had close ties with Elisabeth Elliot (both in college & in later years).  Reading on the Kindle app on my phone is easier I find, as I can get a lot read while laying with LM until she falls asleep.  (The Abide Kids Bedtime Stories podcast is working well for helping her fall asleep.)

Summer Vacation ~ Day 17

Day 17 ~ Saturday, June 10th

After a good breakfast of waffles (for the children), bacon, and apple slices, I was motivated to do some batch cooking, so sheetcake pancakes it was. Breakfast during our upcoming busy week is covered.  I always have boiled eggs in the fridge.  Add some fruit, and voila! 

The children and I worked on the very neglected rose bed after breakfast.  It is still not up to par, but it is much, much better than it was. And we have a big pile for Jim to take in the truck to the village landscaping dump.

(Have I mentioned I'm co-hosting a bridal shower at our home next week?  Our "someday" projects have moved up to "now." ;-) )

We returned over a dozen books at the library, and checked out more than a dozen new books. :) Dollar General provided hair barrettes for LM. 

Much of the rest of the day was rough, though there were moments of reading aloud (to LM) & silently (BK), playing catch, practicing hitting a ball, and even some reading for me (Sioux Center Sudan).  And, I followed doctor's orders and sat in the sun, trying to expose my arms & legs to UV rays.  

Tomorrow is a new day, and the Lord's mercies will be new.

Summer Vacation ~ Day 16

Day 16 ~ Friday, June 9th 

Well, we alternate between early mornings & late mornings.  Last night was a late night, so this morning was a late morning.  (Except that I didn't fall back asleep after 4.30 AM.)

To quote another blogger:

"We are still acclimating to having everyone home for summer break.  Our schedules have needed adjusting.  Lots of things didn't go as planned.  Plans got cancelled.  Last minute things popped up and home projects were more complicated than expected.  But the good outweighed the bad and we made it to Friday with smiles on our faces."

Amen! :)

Jim left at 9 for another day of spraying.  The children woke up shortly after that.

I did some more scheduling ... responded to an Evite BK received for a friend's birthday party and responded to the professor at the university speech clinic.  "What day & time would work best for LM's speech this fall?"  I never knew that juggling an extracurricular schedule was this difficult. 

Awana is on Wednesdays. Will BK do Trail Life again this year? Will he be interested in swim team? Will the team even have a pool? What days do they practice? Do I want to schedule speech at 3 PM (& get the children out of school 10-15 minutes early) in hopes we can combine it with a second appointment, or at 4 PM (& have some dead time between school & speech, and also deal with coming home after dark in the winter...)?  I don't know.  Lord, please arrange our schedule.  

Midday was low-key with books, outside play, bath, etc.  Jim brought home delicious sandwiches after he set-up the Gideon display at a nearby town's festival. Yum!

The big news was that LM got her hair cut!!  Almost half of it was cut off, and her new cut is so adorable!!!!

The children enjoyed hours of outdoor play with the neighbors, which made for another late bedtime. But, we're trying for early wake-ups on Saturday in order to make Sunday better. We can hope. :) 

Summer Vacation ~ Day 15

Day 15 ~ Thursday, June 8th

I was up early and finally took the time to fill in my planner for the next few weeks.  Stay tuned to find out the insane number of appointments & activities we have next week!  I left at 7.45 AM while the house was still quiet for my dental cleaning appointment.  Home at 9.15, and Jim left at 9.20 for a full day of spraying.  

I made waffles, and then we read a stack of books.  That always makes my heart happy.  

Slow days at home are hard.  But eventually imaginations kicked in.  I checked some things off my list, and we all three broke down what seemed like a garage full of Amazon boxes & took them to recycling.  

While the children played in the next door neighbor's backyard, I cleaned out my closet and filled three garbage bags with clothes to donate.  I also have several things listed on FB Marketplace (to be donated if they haven't sold in a week) ... toddler scooter, sand table, toddler soccer goal, boys' small baseball pants, and wall decor.  It feels good to lighten the load of STUFF!  What can I donate next?! :) 

I'm enjoying having freezer bags ready to make green smoothies (see recipe & method here).  It's a great afternoon pick-me-up.  I add some Greek yogurt + water instead of coconut water.  

After supper, LM & I enjoyed a playground while BK had 7-8.30 swim team practice at the closest pool (hooray!).

I was tempted this afternoon to run a few errands, but will wait until tomorrow to consolidate trips.  Can you believe we made it a whole day without going more than 5 miles from home. :) 

Summer Vacation ~ Day 14

Day 14 ~ Wednesday, June 7th

It was nice to be able to stay home all morning. The children slept in. Woo-hoo!

Sleeping in does not mean a leisurely morning. In fact, in some ways it makes for a rushed morning because there's less time to do jobs. :)

I helped LM fold 4 blankets and BK fold 7 sheets from a fort that was up for several days. And we straightened the house in preparation for the housecleaner.

I also called around searching for ADHD medication. This time it only took two phone calls!

The nature center program sponsored by the library did not disappoint … over 50 kids were enthralled by a huge tarantula, cockroach, and 6-foot long snake. Yikes!

We had a 3 pm appointment 30 minutes northwest of here, then enjoyed a park along the way until we had to leave for BK's baseball game 30 minutes south of us. On the way the children soaked in the songs from the NIV Kids Club - Proverbs.

Home at 9 PM after "the best game EVER!"

I'm thankful for his encouraging coaches, the sweet spirit among his teammates, progress throughout the season, and perfect summer evenings to visit with other parents and grandparents.


Sent from my iPhone

Summer Vacation ~ Day 13

Day 13 ~ Tuesday, June 6th

The children went to a friend's home from 8.15-10.45 while I had a hair appointment.  They came home worn out from playing outside!  It was good timing for them to have some screen time while I had a zoom. 

After a quick lunch, we left at 12.25 for LM's first speech therapy of the summer at the university clinic.  Each semester she has a new student clinician.  But she has the same supervising professor, who compared notes with me.  We're so thankful she has the opportunity to receive services there!

After a treat of some drive-through frosted drinks (Yum!!), we enjoyed the fun park we explored last week (or the week before??) for a little while, and then dropped LM off at a friend's house, while BK & I went to an appointment nearby.  

Outdoor play, sidewalk chalk, ice cream, and baths were a good end to a full day!  It's definitely summer!!

Summer Vacation ~ Day 12

Day 12 ~ Monday, June 5th

We enjoyed the hotel breakfast and being able to wait until after rush hour to drive into the city. 

Good appointment with my rheumatologist.  She referred to the disease as being angry.  (I concur.) She wants me to have 12 weeks on my new shot (uninterrupted by taking a break due to being on antibiotics) before she re-evaluates or makes any changes.  It's comforting to know that she has a Plan C, D, E, F, and G.  It's more comforting to know that the Lord is in charge.  We are happy with her plan that I return quarterly for in-person visits.  

I had the best salad for lunch at the same diner where we ate supper last night. :)  Grilled chicken strips on a bed of greens with a homemade poppyseed dressing, and 7 types of fruit over the top.  Delicious!

Arrived at the grandparents' at 2.45 PM to find BK & Grandma playing toss & catch with the velcro ball while LM watered the flowers (& getting soaked in the process). :) 

5.30 found the children and me at the ball field.  BK's team was playing on Diamond 3.  He had second cousins playing on both Diamonds 1 and 2.  LM ran freely, playing with a few other children.  It's the most leisurely neighborly place to sit and chat.  I tried to watch when BK was batting, and even got a video of him sliding into home plate. Woo-hoo!!

LM was asleep by 9 ... probably not the best scenario.

Summer Vacation ~ Day 11

Day 11 ~ Sunday, June 4th

Today was the first day of summer Sunday School!  From the Sunday after Memorial Day through the Sunday before Labor Day, the SS teachers get a break, while a new team of volunteers leads the children through two VBS programs.  

LM went eagerly into her class!  I was called back (while they were still in assembly) to bring a hearing aid battery, so I stood around the corner (so LM wouldn't see me).  Thankfully the security guy delivered the hearing aid battery and brought me back the old one.  Teamwork!

Jim was home with a possible kidney stone (ouch!), and it was LM's first Sunday to sit in worship (summers after K & 1st; and then every Sunday after 2nd grade).  Let's just say that a solo parenting day isn't the best day to start something new.  But we survived and learned. 

I dropped the children off at their grandparents by 5.15 Sunday, and then Jim and I drove towards Chicago.  Hotel prices were sky high thanks to the Taylor Swift concert, so we stayed at a hotel out a ways, after eating at a diner on the way.  

One month ago today ~ on the road

::written a month ago::

Yesterday I left at 8.55, picked up one child from school at 9, stopped by Casey's for treats, and drove 70 miles east to an appointment the child did not want to go to. 

After waiting to be called & waiting on the doctor, we spent about 80 minutes hearing a diagnosis we expected but did not want.  (I am still processing ...)

The child got to choose lunch, and then we stopped by a Goodwill around the corner for 15 minutes.

I almost dozed off driving (70 miles west) home. It was a BATTLE to stay awake! 

We came home for 15 minutes, and I was horizontal.  

Then we got in car line & picked up the other child. 

Home for 15 minutes bathroom & snack break ... except there ended up being a hearing aid incident and it was located in the outside air conditioning unit.  I immediately turned it off at the thermostat.  After unsuccessfully trying several wrenches in Jim's toolbox to see if I could disconnect the top grill of the unit, I called Jim and we talked over a few possible solutions.  We decided I'd go ahead with our afternoon plans. 

Onward ho!  Drove 20+ miles east to speech therapy at the university clinic.  And then 5 miles south to swim lessons.  

McDonald's drive-through. 

And then drove 27 miles west to the baseball field for practice.  We arrived 10-15 minutes late for 6.30-8 PM practice.  

LM's ideal bedtime is 7 PM. 

Summer Vacation ~ Day 10

Day 10 ~ Saturday, June 3rd

LM slept until 7.30.

I paid a few bills, and explained each one to BK. "Wow! Things are expensive."

We made a trip to a nearby town (20 miles away) to pick up some prescriptions and a Walmart grocery order.  Check!  (The grocery order included a shirt for myself.  In the past I have ordered flowers for myself in my online grocery order.  I guess the sky's the limit.)

After lunch, I sat in a lawn chair in the shade near the pine trees, and tried to read while the children played. We were out there for 3 or more hours.  Success!  Lots of time spent up in the trees, some running laps around the yard, much imaginative play, and some velcro ball catch.  

Supper was another great meal - chicken thighs, tater tots, lettuce salad, and fruit salad.  Yum! 

I forget how amazing BK's vocabulary is.  Recently a few people have been shocked by it.  Every once in awhile even I notice.  Tonight I asked him why he was doing something, and he answered, "In case anything untoward happens."  Wonder what book that was in? :)

LM didn't fall asleep until 9 PM. 

Summer Vacation ~ Day 9

Day 9 ~ Friday, June 2nd

We ate well today. :) 

For breakfast, I had an apple, a few slices of bacon, a hard boiled egg, and a homemade granola bar.  Very filling!

My second cup of hot tea was poolside at BK's swim team practice which was 8-10 AM in a small pool in a small town (pop: 1600) 20 minutes away.  (The team's home pool is not available this summer due to a fire in the gym.  Second choice had a mechanical failure.  This is Plan C for Friday morning practices.  We may have to go to Plan D ~ a pool in an even smaller town ~ for Tues/Thurs evening practices.)

For lunch, we had pork burgers on buns (or with a side of GF cheddar garlic biscuit in my case), mixed veggies, pepper sticks, and a clementine.  Very fresh!

Lots of time was spent riding the scooter & bike on the sidewalk. 

I spent an hour on the phone with 10 phone calls to 3 different pharmacies and a doctor's office, trying to track down ADHD meds.  

We made a quick trip to the library for LM to get her sticker on the wall for completing her first 30-book log!!  And picked up Bagel Bites at DG for supper. (I guess we didn't eat so well for the third meal of the day - ha!) 

LM was asleep by 7.15.

Summer Vacation ~ Day 8

Day 8  ~ Thursday June 1st

Good thing today was a no-schedule day!

LM woke me up at 4.45 with a tummy bug, and then pretty much slept soundly until 11 AM. 

BK spent the morning at the farm. 

I had three lengthy phone calls before lunch, researching info.

The afternoon was brought to us by the opposite of unicorns & rainbows... Sigh!

Then LM slept a couple hours, and still made it to sleep by 9 PM.  

Evening swim team practice was cancelled due to a pool problem.